Luke 23:7

KJV

And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} as soon as he knew {G1921} that {G3754} he belonged {G2076} unto {G1537} Herod's {G2264} jurisdiction {G1849}, he sent {G375} him {G846} to {G4314} Herod {G2264}, who {G5607} himself {G846} also {G2532} was {G5607} at {G1722} Jerusalem {G2414} at {G1722} that {G5025} time {G2250}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and when he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who at that time happened to be in Yerushalayim too.

Berean Standard Bible

And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time.

American Standard Version

And when he knew that he was of Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him unto Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem in these days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:7 details Pontius Pilate's strategic decision to send Jesus to Herod Antipas for judgment, upon discovering Jesus' Galilean origin. This pivotal moment in Jesus' trial highlights Pilate's attempt to evade responsibility for a politically charged case, leveraging the overlapping jurisdictions of Roman and Herodian rule. It underscores the intricate web of earthly authorities inadvertently participating in the divine plan of salvation, as the Son of God is passed between rulers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Jesus' passion, specifically His trial before Pontius Pilate. Following Jesus' arrest and initial questioning by the Sanhedrin, He is brought before Pilate, the Roman governor, because the Jewish authorities lack the power to execute Him ([Luke 23:1-2](/luke/23-1-2 "Luke 23:1-2 - Jesus Before Pilate")). Pilate's initial interrogation, where he finds "no fault in this man" ([Luke 23:4](/luke/23-4 "Luke 23:4 - Pilate Finds No Fault")), sets the stage for his desire to release Jesus. However, when the Jewish leaders press their accusations, mentioning Jesus' activity "beginning from Galilee to this place" ([Luke 23:5](/luke/23-5 "Luke 23:5 - Accusations from Galilee")), Pilate seizes upon this detail as an opportunity to transfer the case, leading directly to the action described in [Luke 23:7](/luke/23-7 "Luke 23:7 - Jesus Sent to Herod"). This move temporarily shifts the narrative focus from Pilate to Herod, only for Jesus to be returned to Pilate later ([Luke 23:11-12](/luke/23-11-12 "Luke 23:11-12 - Herod Returns Jesus to Pilate")), underscoring the legal and political complexities of the trial.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Judea, at this time, was a Roman province governed by Pontius Pilate (26-36 AD). However, Galilee, Jesus' home region, was part of the tetrarchy ruled by Herod Antipas, one of the sons of Herod the Great. Herod Antipas was a client king, meaning he ruled under Roman authority. Pilate's decision to send Jesus to Herod was not merely a matter of legal jurisdiction but also a calculated political maneuver. Roman law generally allowed for accused individuals to be tried in their home province. Furthermore, historical accounts suggest Pilate and Herod Antipas had a strained relationship, possibly due to past conflicts or mutual suspicion. Luke's Gospel uniquely notes that this act of deference on Pilate's part served to reconcile them ([Luke 23:12](/luke/23-12 "Luke 23:12 - Pilate and Herod Reconciled")). Herod's presence in Jerusalem was customary for the Passover festival, a major pilgrimage holiday that brought many Jews, including their rulers, to the capital city. This confluence of religious observance and political power created a volatile environment for Jesus' trial.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 23:7](/luke/23-7 "Luke 23:7 - Jesus Sent to Herod") contributes to several significant themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader Passion narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **human evasion of responsibility**. Pilate, having found no basis for a capital charge against Jesus, seeks to "pass the buck" to Herod, demonstrating a reluctance to make a difficult and potentially unpopular decision. This foreshadows his later act of washing his hands ([Matthew 27:24](/matthew/27-24 "Matthew 27:24 - Pilate Washes His Hands")). Secondly, the verse underscores **political expediency and the corrupt nature of earthly power**. Both Pilate and Herod are shown to be more concerned with maintaining their authority and navigating political alliances than with dispensing true justice. Their actions reveal a world where truth is secondary to self-preservation and political maneuvering. Finally, despite these human failings, the narrative implicitly points to **divine sovereignty**. Even as human rulers attempt to manipulate events, God's overarching plan for salvation unfolds, ensuring that all forms of earthly authority inadvertently participate in the events leading to the crucifixion, fulfilling prophetic scriptures. The trial of Jesus, as depicted in [Luke 23](/luke/23 "Luke 23 - The Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus"), is a testament to God's control over all circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Greek, _epiginṓskō'_):** From G1921, this word means "to know upon some mark," or "to recognize"; by implication, "to become fully acquainted with" or "to acknowledge." In the context of Luke 23:7, Pilate's "knowing" is not merely a superficial awareness but a recognition of a specific legal or jurisdictional fact—Jesus' Galilean origin—which he then acknowledges and acts upon. It implies a deliberate understanding that informs his subsequent decision.
* **jurisdiction (Greek, _exousía'_):** From G1849, this term refers to "privilege," "force," "capacity," "competency," "freedom," or "mastery." It denotes "authority," "power," "right," or "strength." Here, it specifically indicates Herod's legal or territorial authority over Galilee. Pilate's action acknowledges the legitimate boundaries of Herod's rule, even as he uses this legal technicality to his own advantage.
* **sent (Greek, _anapémpō'_):** From G375, meaning "to send up or back." This verb precisely describes the action of dispatching Jesus from Pilate's court to Herod's. It emphasizes the transfer of the prisoner and the case from one authority to another, specifically "up" to a higher-ranking local ruler or "back" to his proper jurisdiction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction":** This clause establishes the catalyst for Pilate's action. Upon learning that Jesus was from Galilee, a region under Herod Antipas's rule, Pilate recognized a legal loophole or a political opportunity. The phrase "belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction" signifies that Jesus, as a Galilean, fell under Herod's legal authority, giving Pilate a plausible reason to transfer the case. This discovery was crucial for Pilate, who was seemingly reluctant to condemn Jesus himself.
* **"he sent him to Herod":** This is the direct action taken by Pilate. Rather than dealing with the politically sensitive case himself, Pilate dispatches Jesus to Herod. This move served multiple purposes: it relieved Pilate of immediate responsibility, acknowledged Herod's authority (which could mend their strained relationship), and potentially allowed Pilate to avoid a direct confrontation with the Jewish leaders who were demanding Jesus' crucifixion.
* **"who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time":** This final clause provides the circumstantial detail that made Pilate's transfer possible. Herod Antipas's presence in Jerusalem for the Passover festival was fortuitous for Pilate. It meant that the transfer of jurisdiction could occur immediately, without the delay of sending Jesus back to Galilee, thus expediting Pilate's attempt to divest himself of the case.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise narrative in [Luke 23:7](/luke/23-7 "Luke 23:7 - Jesus Sent to Herod") employs several literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the very rulers who sought to avoid responsibility for Jesus' condemnation inadvertently fulfilled God's sovereign plan. Pilate's attempt to "pass the buck" ultimately contributes to the broader narrative of Jesus being rejected by both Jewish and Gentile authorities, a necessary step towards His crucifixion. There is also an element of **foreshadowing**, as Pilate's initial reluctance to condemn Jesus and his attempt to transfer responsibility anticipate his later symbolic act of washing his hands of Jesus' blood ([Matthew 27:24](/matthew/27-24 "Matthew 27:24 - Pilate Washes His Hands")), further emphasizing his moral cowardice. The scene also uses **contrast** between the earthly rulers' political maneuvering and the divine purpose unfolding through their actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:7 profoundly illustrates the human tendency to avoid accountability, especially when confronted with uncomfortable truths or difficult decisions. Pilate's action is a classic example of political expediency overriding justice and moral courage. Theologically, this moment underscores the pervasive nature of human sin and fallenness, even among those in positions of power, as they prioritize self-preservation and political stability over righteousness. Yet, paradoxically, even these acts of moral cowardice and political maneuvering are woven into God's overarching redemptive plan, demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty over all human affairs, ensuring that His purposes for the Messiah's suffering and atonement would be fulfilled. The passing of Jesus from Pilate to Herod, and back again, highlights the universal rejection of the Messiah by both Jewish and Gentile authorities, setting the stage for His ultimate sacrifice.

* [Matthew 27:24](/matthew/27-24 "Matthew 27:24 - Pilate Washes His Hands")
* [Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "Acts 4:27-28 - God's Plan Fulfilled Through Human Actions")
* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Luke 23:7, where Pilate attempts to shift responsibility for Jesus' judgment, offers a sobering mirror for self-reflection. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are we quick to "pass the buck" when faced with difficult moral choices or uncomfortable truths? Do we prioritize personal convenience, social acceptance, or political gain over integrity, justice, and standing for what is right? This verse reminds us that true leadership, whether in public office, the church, or our families, demands courage to embrace responsibility, even when it is costly or unpopular. It calls us to resist the temptation to compromise truth for expediency. Furthermore, observing how God's sovereign plan unfolds even through the flawed and sometimes corrupt actions of human leaders should cultivate a deeper trust in His ultimate control. We are reminded that even in the midst of chaos and injustice, God is working all things together for His good purposes, and our role is to align ourselves with His will, regardless of the cost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to avoid responsibility or "pass the buck" when faced with difficult decisions?**
* **How can you cultivate greater moral courage to stand for truth and justice, even when it is personally inconvenient or unpopular?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over human actions, even imperfect ones, impact your trust in His plan for your life and the world?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pilate send Jesus to Herod, and what was Herod's role?**

Answer: Pilate sent Jesus to Herod because he discovered Jesus was a Galilean. Galilee was under the jurisdiction of Herod Antipas, one of the sons of Herod the Great, who ruled as a client king under Roman authority. Pilate's primary motivation was to avoid personal responsibility for condemning Jesus, especially after finding no fault in Him ([Luke 23:4](/luke/23-4 "Luke 23:4 - Pilate Finds No Fault")). By sending Jesus to Herod, Pilate hoped to divest himself of a politically sensitive case. Herod, in turn, was eager to see Jesus, having heard about Him and hoping to witness a miracle ([Luke 23:8](/luke/23-8 "Luke 23:8 - Herod Desires to See Jesus")). However, after mocking Jesus and dressing Him in a "gorgeous robe," Herod found no grounds for execution and sent Him back to Pilate ([Luke 23:11](/luke/23-11 "Luke 23:11 - Herod Mocks and Returns Jesus")). This exchange also served to reconcile Pilate and Herod, who had previously been at odds ([Luke 23:12](/luke/23-12 "Luke 23:12 - Pilate and Herod Reconciled")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 23:7, though seemingly a minor detail of political maneuvering, powerfully illustrates the broader Christ-centered fulfillment of prophecy and the divine plan. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, is passed from one earthly authority to another, a poignant symbol of His complete submission to the will of His Father and His willingness to endure the injustice of human systems for the sake of humanity's redemption. This event, where both Roman and Jewish authorities (through Herod, a Jewish ruler) participate in His trial, underscores the universal scope of the sin for which Christ atones, and the universal reach of the salvation He provides. The sending of Jesus to Herod, far from being an arbitrary diversion, was part of the preordained counsel of God, ensuring that "against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place" ([Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "Acts 4:27-28 - God's Plan Fulfilled Through Human Actions")). Thus, even in the attempts of human rulers to evade responsibility, God's sovereign hand was at work, orchestrating every detail to bring about the ultimate sacrifice of the Messiah, fulfilling the ancient prophecies of a suffering servant who would bear the sins of many ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant Bears Our Sins")). Jesus' journey through these earthly courts culminates in His crucifixion, the very act through which He secures our eternal salvation and demonstrates His absolute authority over sin and death ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 3:1

¶ Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

Luke 13:31

¶ The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.

Matthew 14:1

¶ At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,